tHe crooKed WorD

As of April 30, 2014 we will no longer be posting reviews on tHe crooKed WorD. Reading is like breathing for us - and discovering new books and authors has been a wonderful adventure - but the time has come for us to move on. Thank you for your support, for allowing us into your lives, and for letting us influence in some small way the contents of your bookshelves.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

The Lost Stones

The Lost StonesThe Lost Stones
by Paul Rimmasch

192 Pages
Published November 8, 2011

This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

1600s Mexico- The Aztec Prince Ixtililxochitl writes that the first people to inhabit his land came from the Tower of Babel at the dividing of tongues…Scholars dismiss his writings as myth.
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1800s Mid Western United States- Settlers dig into ancient burial mounds and discover thousands of slate tablets covered with a strange hieroglyphic writing and drawings depicting Jesus Christ…these artifacts are denounced as a hoax.
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1909 Arizona-a newspaper runs a story describing how a cave containing metal artifacts and Egyptian-type hieroglyphics was discovered in the Grand Canyon by a group of Scientists from the Smithsonian Institute…the Smithsonian categorically denies the account.
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These and other amazing facts make up the world of forbidden Book of Mormon Archaeology. It is a world BYU student and Iraqi War veteran Ammon Rogers never knew existed. He is thrust headlong into this world when he asks the enigmatic adventurer John Byrd a simple question. When John is kidnapped in Mexico, Ammon joins forces with John’s beautiful daughter in a desperate attempt to not only save John, but to find his answer…an answer that will change the world…an answer one sinister foe will do anything to suppress.


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This is a fun, quick read. Short chapters keep the story moving, and tons of research and true knowledge fill the pages. The characters are well-rounded and likeable

While the theme is LDS (Mormon), I think anyone interested in archaeology, history, or adventure would enjoy the story!

Check out the book trailer:



Some thoughts:

When I started the book, I was a little worried. Book openings can be tough to write, and I didn't really feel drawn into this one. *** Spoiler*** Well, I did until it turned out the opening was a dream. When I was snapped into a different world, things changed. I didn't really care for Ammon's daily life. That said, about 10% of the way in, I dropped that and enjoyed the story.

I really, really, really wanted there to be more of an "Indiana Jones" feeling to this book. There were moments here and there, but I would have loved to see it happen more!

There are a number of passages where long conversations take place in order to get a lot of information and history across. While I enjoyed it (and learned a few things from it), I'm not sure younger teens will appreciate it, as it means less action through those parts.

I find the topic of Book of Mormon Archaeology fascinating, and always have. I hope Mr. Rimmasch is considering sequels!

4/5 stars

1 comment:

  1. I loved loved loved the lost stones and can't wait for more books by Mr. Rimmasch. I will definately buy them!!!

    ReplyDelete